Artex

Introduction
Artex is an antiparasitic medication. It is used in the treatment of malaria. It is not used to prevent malaria or to treat severe malaria (where it has affected the brain, lungs or kidneys). Artex is administered as an injection by a healthcare professional. Kindly do not self administer. It is given in cases where oral administration is not possible. Some people may experience a headache, dizziness, weakness, and loss of appetite, as the side effects of this medicine. You may also notice some injection site reactions like pain, swelling or redness. Please consult your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. You may be monitored with blood tests once a week for 4 weeks to detect the presence of malarial parasites.

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Uses of Artex
Malaria
Side effects of Artex
Common
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Loss of appetite
How to use Artex
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Artex works
Artex is an antiparasitic medication. It works by producing harmful chemicals (free radicals) within the malarial parasite, thereby killing it.
What if you forget to take Artex?
If you miss a dose of Artex, please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
Artex is used in the treatment of malaria.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Artex.
Do not start or continue Artex and consult your doctor you are in first 3 months of pregnancy or if you are breast feeding.
Do not drive or operate machinery after taking it because you may feel sleepy.
Artex should be taken with food or drinks enriched with fat such as milk.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration.
Do not take this medicine if you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you notice flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, muscle pains and any changes in a heartbeat.
You may be asked for a regular blood test once a week while taking this medicine.
Brief Description
Indication
Falciparum malaria especially in quinidine-resistant patients Adult: PO: 4 mg/kg once daily x3 days (with mefloquine)

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Administration
Antimalarial potentiating action seen with mefloquine, primaquine and tetracycline. Additive effect with chloroquine. Antagonistic effect with pyrimethamine and sulphonamides.
Adult Dose
Hepatic or renal insufficiency. Pregnancy and lactation. Lactation: unknown

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Renal Dose
Artesunate is a potent and rapidly-acting blood schizontocide derived from the leaves of the chinese herb, Armesia annua. The exact mode of action is not clear but clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of artesunate in P. vivax and falciparum malaria. Unclear, may inhibit DNA replication & transcription.

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Precaution
Malaria, Schistosomiasis
Pregnancy Category Note
Generally well-tolerated, Cardiotoxicity (high doses), Neurotoxicity observed in animal studies, Drug induced fever, Skin rash
Interaction
Hypersensitivity.